Croghan man arraigned in Lewis County Court on rape charges

LOWVILLE  A Croghan man was arraigned Friday in Lewis County Court on charges that he forcibly raped an underage girl on a few different occasions last year.

Kurt J. Hazzard, 41, of 6835 Mechanic St., was arraigned on three counts of first-degree rape, two counts of third-degree rape, four counts of endangering the welfare of a child and single counts of second-degree rape and first- and third-degree criminal sex act and pleaded innocent. His case was adjourned to June 22, and he remains free on $10,000 bail.

Hazzard was accused of having sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 17 by forcible compulsion on occasions in August, November and December, all in the town of Croghan. He additionally was accused of having sexual contact with another underage girl on one occasion.

Tyler D. Collins, 18, of 1029 Bronson St., Watertown, was arraigned on three counts of third-degree burglary, two counts of second-degree criminal mischief and single counts of fourth-degree arson, fourth-degree criminal mischief and petit larceny and pleaded innocent. His case was adjourned to June 1.

Mr. Collins was accused of, on Jan. 13 and 14, breaking into two seasonal camps and Ziggys Bar and Restaurant, all on South Shore Road in the town of Diana, causing damage, stealing various items and setting fire to one of the camps.

Andrew C. Murphy, 30, of 3364 Elm St., Port Leyden, had his case of third-degree burglary and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property adjourned to June 15. Mr. Murphy was accused of, on Nov. 14, entering a shed owned by Larry Combs on North Street in Port Leyden and stealing two fisher pelts.

George H. Castor, 38, of 5559 Route 11, Adams, had a trial date set for June 4 in his case of second- and third-degree assault, fourth-degree criminal mischief, second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. Mr. Castor was accused of hitting Rebecca Davis in the hand with a hammer, damaging a 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis belonging to her and shoving her and an 11-year-old boy to the ground.

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